Reading - Mikele Leigertwood is back in contention for a starting spot in the Royals' midfield following a recent knock, while winger Hal Robson-Kanu is doubtful with a knee complaint. Striker Jason Roberts (hip) and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) both remain sidelined.

A WORD FROM BOTH CAMPSAlan Pardew, Newcastle manager: "People talk about six-pointers and all that - it actually is between us two clubs. We can't hide from that. We need to get that distance between us and then strengthen, and then suddenly we would look a lot rosier than we do sitting here today.Defensively we need to tighten up and I think we did that at Norwich, and I thought we did it against Everton too, against a really good side. So we're showing signs of that. But showing signs is not good enough - we've got to deliver and we have to start winning."

Brian McDermott, Reading manager: "Alan has done wonders there, there's no doubt about that - he was manager of the year last season. We all have difficult times in football, that's the nature of what we do for a living. Newcastle is a big club, they've got good players but my concern is our team and our club. I've never been there as a player, never been there as a manager, never been there as a scout, so I'm looking forward to going up there. I know the atmosphere is fantastic there and the ground itself is fantastic."